From an interview of Osama bin Laden by journalists Peter Arnett and Peter Bergen, aired by CNN on May 12, 1997: “Q. Mr. Bin Laden, could you give us your main criticism of the Saudi royal family that is ruling Saudi Arabia today? A. …the first one is their subordination to the US. So, our main problem is the US government while the Saudi regime is but a branch or an agent of the US. By being loyal to the US regime, the Saudi regime has committed an act against Islam. Q. If you had an opportunity to give a message to President [Bill] Clinton, what would that message be? A. …The hearts of Muslims are filled with hatred towards the United States of America and the American president.”
– Gilles Kepel and Jean-Pierre Milelli, eds., Al Qaeda In Its Own Words, Pages 51-52